Prime Factorization Tree Builder

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About This MicroSim

Interactive tree builder decomposing composite numbers into their prime factors step-by-step. This interactive learning tool provides direct visual feedback, enabling students to explore algebraic structures dynamically.

Iframe Embed Code

Copy this iframe to your website:

<iframe src="https://dmccreary.github.io/algebra-1/sims/prime-factorization-tree/main.html"
        height="902px" width="100%" scrolling="no"></iframe>

Lesson Plan

Learning Objective

Construct factor trees to determine prime factorization and express composite numbers in exponential prime factor form.

Audience and Prerequisites

Designed for Algebra I students in grade 9. Students should have arithmetic fluency and introductory familiarity with algebraic notation.

Suggested Activity

1. Ask students to make a prediction before interacting with controls or moving parameters.
2. Choose candidate factors to branch composite numbers until all terminal nodes are prime numbers.
3. Compare the visual model directly with the symbolic algebraic expression.
4. Have students summarize their observations in a single sentence.

Assessment

Students write the canonical prime factorization of numbers using exponents.

References

1. Related Algebra I Chapter - Course explanation and background context.
2. p5.js Reference - Official library documentation.